Nagpur: In view of the Ganesh Festival commencing from September 7 this year, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has issued guidelines to ensure that the festival is celebrated in an environmentally friendly manner. The NMC administration has made an important decision to waive all fees typically charged for Ganesh Mandals for this year’s Ganesh Festival.
Following the instructions from the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, NMC Commissioner and Administrator Dr. Abhijit Chaudhari has issued the decision to waive the permit fees.
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The NMC Commissioner has also released guidelines for the environmentally friendly celebration of Ganeshotsav. These guidelines include the complete waiver of the application verification and inspection fee of Rs 200, as well as the security deposit ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000, for Ganesh Mandals.
In compliance with the orders of the High Court’s Nagpur Bench and the guidelines from the Central Pollution Control Board, NMC has implemented the following policies/guidelines for the 2024 Ganesh Festival to ensure an eco-friendly celebration in Nagpur city:
1. As per the Central Pollution Control Board’s guidelines dated May 12, 2020, there is a ban on the production and purchase of POP (Plaster of Paris) idols. Citizens are encouraged to install idols made from eco-friendly materials like clay.
2. The concept of ‘One Complex, One Ganpati’ should be implemented in residential complexes, institutions, and households. Noise levels during processions should be controlled as per the standards to prevent noise pollution.
3. All idol makers/artists must register and obtain licenses through the NMC’s zonal offices.
4.Immersion of idols should not be carried out in the city’s natural water bodies. All lakes within the NMC jurisdiction are restricted for immersion, and devotees are advised to immerse idols only in artificial ponds.
5. There will be no height restrictions for Mandal idols during the 2024 Ganesh Festival. However, immersion must take place only in artificial ponds. For Mandals with idols taller than 4 feet, arrangements should be made outside the NMC jurisdiction, and they should inform the relevant police stations to obtain the necessary permissions for processions.
6. Previously, the maximum height limit for household Ganesh idols was set at 2 feet. While there is no height limit this year, citizens are encouraged to voluntarily adhere to the 2 feet height limit for household idols.
7. Hazardous and non-biodegradable chemical paints should not be used in the creation of idols. Eco-friendly colours should be used instead. Additionally, plastic and thermocol should not be used for decoration.
8. Vendors found manufacturing, storing, using, or selling POP idols will have their idols confiscated and will be fined Rs 10,000.
9. The application verification and inspection fees of Rs 200 and the security deposit ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 for Ganesh Mandals are fully waived for the 2024 Ganesh Festival.
10. Additionally, the Fire Department’s fees for Mandal permits, along with fees for erecting pandals on gardens, properties, and private plots, are waived.
11. An online registration link will be provided for Ganesh Mandals, and zonal facilitation centres will be established to assist them.
12. Based on the request of traditional idol makers, a reduced security deposit of Rs 500 will be charged instead of the full Rs 5,000.
13. The NMC will allocate public spaces within the city for the sale of eco-friendly clay idols or provide space for the installation of stalls. The estimated charge for a 10×10 feet stall will be Rs 1,000 per stall per day.
14. Organizing committees and Ganesh Mandals are encouraged to prioritize health-related activities/camps, raise awareness about malaria, dengue, and filariasis, and promote cleanliness and waste segregation during the festival.
15. The NMC will arrange for adequate lighting at artificial immersion sites, and streetlights will be improved along immersion routes.
16. The cleanliness fee of Rs 500 has been fully waived for the 2024 Ganesh Festival.
17. Immersion in all city lakes is prohibited, and barricading will be set up to protect the lakes.
18. Medical officers will arrange for ambulances at the immersion sites.
19. The fire department, along with lifeguards, will be present at immersion sites to ensure safety.
20. While the fees for permits for Ganesh Mandals have been waived for the 2024 Ganesh Festival, it is mandatory to comply with the conditions mentioned in various circulars (government/NMC) as well as the orders of the High Court. This includes compliance with fire department conditions, licensing conditions, and government directives regarding the ban on plastic and thermocol.
